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Forensic Ballistic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K/yr

... and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class title performs professional scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

City of Chicago

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K/yr

... and ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class title performs professional scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

Stanislaus County

Forensic Pathologist

Modesto, CA · On-site

$168.98 - $253.46/hr

Procedures, techniques, and equipment utilized in forensic medicine, including medico-legal autopsy, forensic toxicology, ballistic/firearms examination, trace evidence, forensic serology, forensic ...

City of Chicago

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and ...

New

City of Chicago

SENIOR FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$81K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). The class performs senior-level functions, working independently, on a wide range of complex scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and ...

New

City of Chicago

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and participates in scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

City of Chicago

LEAD FORENSIC SCIENTIST

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

... ballistics, or other related forensic disciplines). This class title supervises and participates in scientific examinations of the nature, origin, and significance of physical evidence in crime ...

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Forensic Ballistic information

See salary details

$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic ballistic jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic ballistic in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic ballistic experts when analyzing evidence from crime scenes?

Forensic ballistic experts often encounter challenges such as degraded or contaminated evidence, limited sample sizes, and damaged ballistic materials. It can also be difficult to match bullets or cartridge cases to specific firearms if the markings are faint or altered. Additionally, working under tight deadlines to provide timely results for investigations, and effectively communicating complex findings to non-technical audiences, such as law enforcement or in court, are common parts of the job. Collaborating closely with detectives, lab technicians, and legal teams is essential to ensure thorough and accurate analyses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Ballistics Expert, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Ballistics Expert, you need a solid background in forensic science, physics, and criminal justice, typically supported by a relevant degree and specialized training in firearms and tool mark identification. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, comparison microscopes, and ballistics databases like NIBIN is essential. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding professionals apart. These skills ensure accurate evidence analysis, reliable courtroom testimony, and the integrity of criminal investigations.

What are forensic ballistics experts?

Forensic ballistics experts are specialists who analyze firearms, ammunition, and the effects of projectiles to help solve crimes. They examine evidence such as bullets, cartridge cases, and gunshot residue to determine information like the type of weapon used and the distance from which a shot was fired. Their work often involves comparing markings on bullets and casings to match them with specific firearms. Forensic ballistics experts play a crucial role in criminal investigations by providing scientific analysis and expert testimony in court.
More about Forensic Ballistic jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Ballistic jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Ballistic job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Ballistic jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Ballistic jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Ballistic jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Ballistic jobs are:
Forensic Ballistic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Ballistic job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Partnership Opportunity: Ballistics Expert (TX Network)

Dane Street, LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Dane Street is a leading national provider of Independent Medical Examinations (IME) and Peer Review services. We pride ourselves on delivering evidence-based, objective, and timely medical and specialized technical reviews to the Workers’ Compensation, Auto, and Disability markets.
We are currently expanding our specialty panel to include Ballistics Experts to provide expert analysis and testimony on complex firearms, ammunition, and shooting incident litigation cases.
The Role


As an Expert Witness for Dane Street, you will apply your deep technical knowledge of ballistics, firearms operation, ammunition performance, and forensic analysis to evaluate the merits of legal claims. You will act as a neutral third-party expert, providing objective analysis through written reports and, when necessary, oral testimony.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Evidence Review: Analyze firearm evidence, ballistic reports, projectile trajectories, ammunition data, autopsy findings, laboratory results, and law enforcement documentation.
  • Incident Reconstruction: Review scene photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to assess shooting dynamics, firearm discharge patterns, and compliance with accepted forensic standards.
  • Expert Reporting: Author clear, well-supported, and objective expert reports detailing findings, methodologies, and professional opinions.
  • Litigation Support: Provide credible deposition and/or trial testimony to explain complex ballistic and forensic findings to attorneys, judges, or juries.


Qualifications

  • Industry Expertise: Extensive background in forensic ballistics, firearms examination, crime laboratory analysis, law enforcement firearms investigation, or related forensic disciplines.
  • Testimony Experience: Required. Candidates must have prior experience providing sworn testimony in depositions or trial settings as a disclosed expert.
  • Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of firearm mechanics, ammunition characteristics, trajectory analysis, gunshot residue evaluation, and accepted forensic examination methodologies.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret complex forensic evidence and communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Communication: Exceptional writing skills and the ability to meet strict legal and reporting deadlines.

Benefits

  • Ultimate Flexibility: This is a case-by-case 1099 position. You have full autonomy to accept or decline assignments based on your current schedule and expertise.
  • Competitive Compensation: We offer attractive hourly or flat-rate fees for review time, report preparation, and testimony.
  • Full Administrative Support: Dane Street handles all intake, records organization, and delivery. We provide all case materials through our secure platform so you can focus on the analysis.
  • Efficient Workflow: Standard report turnaround time is typically 5 business days from receipt of all materials.

Join the Dane Street Panel

If you are a seasoned ballistics professional with the litigation experience necessary to provide high-level forensic analysis, we invite you to apply. Help us bring clarity, scientific expertise, and objective firearm analysis to the forefront of complex case reviews.